In a desirous plead the bride says, "Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine" (Song of Solomon 1:2, KJV). The Lord's love is intoxicating. It brings a smile to the sternest lips. It lightens the downcast eyes. A cloudy day is dispelled by the brightness of His love.
The effect of God's love is joy. In the context of abiding in Him, Jesus says, "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." (John 15:11,KJV).
Sadly the number of joy filled believers are few. I understand personalities differ. Culture influences the expression of joy - what is appropriate and what is foolish. Living in a refugee camp is not a joy filled experience. When natural disaster strikes or war breaks out, it's not a time to jump for joy. Joy doesn't flood your heart when facing a job loss and standing in a long unemployment line. Illness can take your joy leaving your hope diminished and days filled with sorrow.
Beloved, no doubt as believers we will have a difficult and hard journey, but God promises us joy. A deep assurance that all is in His hands. Nothing escapes His sovereign control though our lives may be down spiraling or our families are in a crisis. Everything is working for the good to bring us into the conformity of His image.
Hebrews 12:2 says, "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (NIV). Jesus looked past the cross with all of its pain, sorrow and death because the thought of us brought Him joy (Isaiah 53:11). He saw the day His Spirit would live in us and we would spend eternity with Him. This brought Him joy unspeakable full of glory!
And this is where we discover the truest joy among the ruins of our lives, in a war torn country or in the midst of deep poverty or illness that threatens life - we are His joy not based on our performance or how well life goes - we are loved by Him and we bring Him great delight.
Some years ago I was very ill and my wife and I nearly lost our jobs in the same week. One day in the midst of weeping, questioning God and my sanity I found myself whispering, "No matter what I'm loved by God!" Over and over I repeated, "He really loves me!". Though the problems and difficulties did not immediately change something in my spirit shifted and I saw something that brought relief, a sense of hope and yes, joy.
For I learned in difficult times the evidence of His love comes into sharper focus when the eyes look past the natural and see God working in the midst of it all. His love has never changed and He remains forever faithful! It's then you feel His tender kiss on your feverish brow. Oh what joy His touch brings! Far better than any medicine for the body. I'm reminded of Peter's mother-in-law suffering from a fever. Jesus took her by the hand and raised her out of bed. Immediately she was made whole and served Him (Mark 1:30-31).
Just consider one day we will stand in His Presence and see Him eye to eye. On that day we can say with perfect joy that it was worth it all. He gave us His joy in the journey by showing us His love.
Yes, His love is far better than wine!
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